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Five Amazing Things To Do In Qatar

Whether weaving your way through a colourful Arabian street market, careering over desert dunes in a 4x4 or tucking into a traditional Bedouin feast under a starry desert sky - expect the unexpected in Qatar

Qatar is defined by its contrasts. Just as the futuristic Doha skyline reflects in the historic waters of the Arabian Gulf, the country stands at the crossroads between East and West, between the past and present. A capital on the rise, impressive architecture and attractions appear almost overnight, yet the strides forward have only been made by following in the footsteps of the generations who have gone before. The result is an eclectic space where ultra-modern experiences and cultural gems sit side by side.

Museum of Islamic Art

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Discover over 1,000 years of Arabian history

The first stop for anyone keen to get a real sense of local culture here should be the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha. Making its mark on the city skyline, the instantly recognisable angles of IM Pei's modernist triumph jut out from its island just off the capital's Corniche. Step inside the museum and collections spanning 1,400 years are every bit as impressive. Exhibits are spread over five floors with everything from jewellery and textiles to Islamic manuscripts telling the story of Islam down the ages. Regular special exhibitions add to the wealth of knowledge gathered here. Imperial Threads, running until January 27, charts the three major dynasties of Turkey, Iran and India at the start of the early modern period in Islamic art.

Souq Waqif

Haggle with the locals at a bustling souq

For a colourful take on local life, head to the 100-year-old Souq Waqif, within walking distance of the Corniche. Labyrinthine alleyways here pack in plenty of character with stalls selling all manner of wares. This is the place to come for painted lanterns, hand-woven carpets, silks and kitsch souvenirs. Spend the day ambling through the storefronts, which snake through cobbled streets or stop at one of the Arabian cafés and restaurants serving delicious local favourites. Damasca is the place to go here for first-class food. A charming Syrian eatery overlooking the market's main artery, dishes to look out for include shakrieh - a creamy lamb stew - and the zesty chicken kebabs and skewers. With some excellent examples of Middle Eastern wind tower architecture, a visit is a great way to get a glimpse of how life was once lived here. After dark the souq really comes to life - pick out a spot to sit back with a traditional Arabic coffee and soak up the atmosphere.

4x4 in the desert

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See the desert by camel and 4x4

No trip to Qatar is complete without experiencing the vast desert, which blankets much of the country. A short drive from Doha takes you out among the dunes and into the heart of some of the region's most dramatic scenery. Take it all in on a desert safari with a host of tour companies. It's a chance to try out dune bashing - a favourite Qatari pastime, which involves speeding over mountains of sand in a 4x4. Or for something a bit more traditional, take it down a notch with a camel ride to a Bedouin-style camp for an authentic local meal shared over a campfire. The UNESCO-recognised Khor Al Adaid inland sea is a must while out among the sands. It's one of the few places in the world where the desert and sea meet, and makes for a unique sight as ocean waves appear on the horizon beyond the dunes.

Al Zubarah

Travel back to the time of pearl divers

Qatar's sparkling coastline is a major draw for visitors looking to take advantage of the year-round sunshine, and for decades the Arabian Gulf has played a vital role with its warm waters supporting the fishing and pearl-diving trades. Qatar's seafaring past comes to life at UNESCO World Heritage site Al Zubarah Fort in the northwest. Just over an hour from Doha, the ancient fort stands at the ruins of Zubarah - one of the region's best-preserved examples of a pearling and fishing port, dating back to the 18th century. The site offers rare insights into how life was once lived in a traditional fishing village, with remains of a city wall, ancient residential palaces, markets and mosques. A museum at the fort tells the story of the settlement, while a new viewing platform is planned for one of the towers to offer panoramas of the surrounding desert.

Hang out on Qatar's exclusive island

Bringing the maritime legacy right up to date is The Pearl, an impressive island by Doha's plush West Bay district. Shaped like a pearl, the exclusive isle is home to some of the city's best restaurants, boutiques and hotels. Meander along the promenade, past the superyachts, and stop at any one of the upscale restaurants for some of the best food in town. Perfect for people watching, Al Mayass Lebanese eatery offers a selection of tasty meze dishes. Elsewhere on the island, contemporary Japanese fare awaits at trendy New York import Megu, while Casa Paco specialises in flavourful dishes from Spain. Shoppers are also spoilt for choice here and earlier this year a host of new stores opened on the island. Adding to the designer boutiques and supercar showrooms are the likes of top jeweller David Morris and local perfumer Ajmal. Hop on one of the water taxis that criss-cross the bay for fantastic views of the Pearl and the Doha skyline in the distance. On the mainland, looking back towards the island, sits Katara Cultural Village, an experience not to be missed. Stunning examples of traditional-style architecture pepper the space, which is home to an opera house, amphitheatre and pretty gardens. There is a packed year-round programme of exhibitions and entertainment, or simply explore the atmospheric venue stopping at one of the many cafés and restaurants along the way.

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Spend five nights at the St Regis Doha with Hayes & Jarvis on on a Bed and Breakfast basis for £1,049pp, based on two sharing, with flights from London Heathrow with Qatar Airways or British Airways. Based on travel in March 2018. Terms and conditions apply.